Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs: COVID-19 crisis could set-back a generation of women in business

New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Philippines and Indonesia make the list of the top 20 economies globally offering the most supportive entrepreneurial conditions for women 

Women across the world have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – a staggering 87% of women business owners say they have been adversely affected. Overrepresentation in sectors hardest hit by the economic downturn (tourism, retail, F&B, etc), the pronounced digital gender gap in an increasingly virtual world, and the mounting pressures of childcare responsibilities are only a few factors that have left women particularly vulnerable. 

In tackling this stark disparity and unlocking the fullest potential of women in business, the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) 2020 report findings make a compelling case for building on targeted gender-specific policy best practices internationally.